Defending Florida's Ecosystems & Communities

Hamilton Disston Attempts to Drain the Everglades

Real estate developer Hamilton Disston buys 4 million acres with plans to drain the land for agriculture. Disston constructed a canal connecting the Lake Okeechobee to Lake Hicpochee, providing the first outlet of water from Lake Okeechobee to tide (through the Caloosahatchee River). Disston’s early efforts spurred development interest in the region and future attempts to drain the Everglades.